The Study of Novel Dual Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) Blockade; Valsartan/Aliskiren in African American Patients With Hypertension and the Metabolic Syndrome (SAAVE)

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Study purpose: African Americans with hypertension and markers of metabolic syndrome (small elevations in blood glucose, triglycerides and or weight) are at a high risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems. There is a circulating factor called angiotensin II that increases risk and may be more important in African Americans who have up to 20 times greater risk of losing kidney function and requiring dialysis. Research Investigators, including those at the University of Michigan, found one drug (Ramipril) that blocks angiotensin II effects significantly and improves kidney function in African Americans.

The purpose of The SAAVE Study is to determine whether the combination of two new blockers (Valsartan and Aliskiren) of angiotensin II, are better able to lower blood pressure, also improve some of the risk factors for cardiovascular problems and provide greater protection to the heart and kidneys.

Condition or disease

Intervention/treatment

Phase

HypertensionMetabolic Syndrome

Drug: Aliskerin/Valsartan and Rampiril

Phase 1

Detailed Description:

The specific hypothesis of this proposal is that the combination of Valsartan/Aliskiren will provide incremental reduction in blood pressure when compared to traditional blockade of Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) with ramipril. As an exploratory analysis, we propose that the blood pressure effect will be associated with suppressing plasma aldosterone levels, preserving the availability of nitric oxide, and preventing the development of insulin resistance. Other variables of interest include changes from baseline in adiponectin, Procollagen 1 and 3, osteopontin, cystatin C, and serum K+. In a nested cohort we will determine the impact of novel dual RAAS blockade on left ventricular remodeling.

Should our hypotheses be proven correct and novel dual RAAS blockade is more effective than ramipril in reducing blood pressure, plasma aldosterone, preserving the availability of nitric oxide, as reflected by an increase in asymmetric dimethly arginine (ADMA) levels, and improves cardiovascular remodeling, this would have important implications for the long term prevention of target organ damage and cardiovascular events in this high risk ethnic group.

A Randomized, Double Blind, Active Comparator, Parallel-group Study to Determine Whether the Combination of Valsartan and Aliskiren Provides Cardioprotection in African American Patients With Hypertension and Elements of the Metabolic Syndrome

Valturna contains two prescription medicines in one tablet that work together to lower blood pressure. It contains aliskerin (Tekturna), a direct rennin inhibitor (DRI), and valsartan (Diovan), an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Aliskerin reduces the effect of rennin, and the harmful process that narrows blood vessels. It also helps blood vessels relax and widen so blood pressure is lower. Valsartan can help lower blood pressure by blocking a potent chemical, angiotensin II, which leads to blood vessel constriction and narrowing.

Drug: Aliskerin/Valsartan and Rampiril

Patients will start on low dose Ramipril 10 mg or Valturna 150/160 at visit 2, and up-titrate to target dose of Ramipril 20 mg or Valturna 300/320 at visit 3. At visit 5, the addition of Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) or amlodipine will be allowed to achieve the SBP target of < 140 mmHg. High dose will then be maintained throughout the remainder of the study. In case of symptoms of low blood pressures, the study medication may be decreased to the low dose.

(However, all non-study medication will be manipulated, initially.)

Other Names:

Tekturna (Aliskerin)

Diovan (Valsartan)

Valturna (Aliskerin/Valsartan

Altace (Ramipril)

Active Comparator: Ramipril

Ramipril (Altace) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI). It is a chemical compound that helps create a protein named angiotensin II. Angiotensin II can raise blood pressure by causing your blood vessels to narrow. Altace helps lower blood pressure by decreasing the amount of ACE the body makes. Ramipril has been proven by the investigators to stabilize decline in kidney function in African American patients with evidence of damage.

Drug: Aliskerin/Valsartan and Rampiril

Patients will start on low dose Ramipril 10 mg or Valturna 150/160 at visit 2, and up-titrate to target dose of Ramipril 20 mg or Valturna 300/320 at visit 3. At visit 5, the addition of Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) or amlodipine will be allowed to achieve the SBP target of < 140 mmHg. High dose will then be maintained throughout the remainder of the study. In case of symptoms of low blood pressures, the study medication may be decreased to the low dose.

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Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years to 80 Years (Adult, Senior)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

African American men or women 18 - 80 years of age.

Appropriate therapy for high blood pressure consisting of no more than 2 antihypertensives.

Patients with at least one marker of Metabolic Syndrome as evidenced by:

HDL cholesterol < 35mg/dl (men); < 45 mg/dl (women)

Triglycerides > 200mg/dl

Fasting Glucose >100mg/dl

Waist Circumference: Men >40 inches (102cm); Women > 35 (88cm)

Recent copy of EKG.

Women able to become pregnant must use reliable contraception (e.g. hormonal contraception and double-barrier methods) throughout this study and for one week after the end of this study. Post-menopausal or surgically sterile women.

Patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine 1.7 mg/dl for women and 2.0 mg/dl for men and or estimated GFR <30 mL/min) a history of dialysis, nephritic syndrome, or reno-vascular hypertension.

Any condition that may alter medication absorption.

Any condition that may place patient at higher risk from participating in study or will jeopardize the evaluation of efficacy or safety.

Use of any investigational study medications within 30 days of enrollment

Persons unwilling or unable to take regular medications or comply with study protocol.

Pregnant or nursing (lactating) women, or women of childbearing potential (defined as all women physiologically capable of becoming pregnant) who do not use reliable methods of contraception: surgical sterilization, bilateral tubal ligation, hormonal contraception, implantable and oral) and double barrier methods if accepted by local regulatory authority and ethics committee. Reliable contraception should be maintained throughout the study and for 7 days after study drug discontinuation.